I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve opened a review with the words ‘you’d be hard-pressed to tell the new model from the one it replaces’, or something along those lines at least.

Here is the new CX-5 from Mazda and, yes, you guessed it, you’d be hard pressed to tell the new model apart from the old, even side by side.

Still, there was little wrong with the styling, so Mazda have settled for a little nip here, a tuck there – in practical terms that means a more muscular front end and finer detailing – that essentially amounts to an ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ approach.

If you though it was hard to spot the exterior changes climb inside and, at first glance, you might be inclined to wonder how Mazda have got the temerity to call it a second-generation model. The layout and the switchgear will all be familiar to anyone who’s owned a mkI.

However, take a closer look and, once again, you’ll see that the devil’s in the detail. Improvements to the controls make it easier to operate things on the move and there’s no doubt that everything feels tuned towards making the experience of driving the CX-5 as uncomplicated as possible, so you can simply focus on the road and enjoy whatever lies ahead.

What does set the new model apart from the old is the step up in perceived quality. There was nothing fundamentally wrong with the materials in the previous generation but Mazda have raised their game noticeably in the mkII. The fit, finish and choice of materials are certainly as good as anything Mazda’s rivals are producing.

You get a fair amount of kit too, with SE-L models equipped with LED headlights, sat-nav, DAB radio and dual-zone climate control. Step up to Sport Nav and you can add electric tailgate, electric leather seats, heated steering wheel and a head-up display to that list.

If there is one area open to criticism it has to be the infotainment system. It’s easy to use via the rotary dial and shortcut buttons on the transmission tunnel, and the absence of a touchscreen is not, in my opinion, a great loss, but the resolution isn’t stellar which leads to less than sharp images and there’s currently no support for either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Mazda have, however, promised that it is coming, and that it will be backwards compatible.

The CX-5 is also fitted with a head-up display – Mazda call it the Active Driving Display – that shows speed, sat nav instructions and traffic sign information.

There's still some reasonable smartphone integration, however, with apps for internet radio and social media. It’s also equipped with DAB radio, Bluetooth audio streaming and handsfree calling, as well as three years updates for the standard sat nav.

Entry-level models have a four-speaker sound system as standard but Sport Nav models are blessed with an excellent Bose ten-speaker surround system with a subwoofer and separate tweeters. If you like your music loud and clear then this is the set-up for you.

There’s very little difference in size between the latest generation model and its predecessor. Boot and passenger space was already competitive so there was very little need to change much.

There are some very subtle changes that would probably go unnoticed by even a seasoned CX-5 driver – for example the gear-lever has been raised by 40mm and the armrests repositioned – but the improvements those changes bring in passenger comfort are tangible.

The rear seatbacks, which recline in two steps, have been moved back slightly to improve the posture of passengers the back. Mazda have slipped some air con vents back there too. It’s as you were when it comes to passenger space, which means that there’s ample room for five adults to travel in comfort, as long as the three in the back are on relatively good terms. Headroom is reasonable too, though taller passengers might find themselves feeling a little cramped.

Mazdas have a deserved reputation for delivering an enthusiastic driving experience and the CX-5 is no exception. The steering has a nice weight to it and is very communicative. It’s direct and precise and, even in the two-wheel-drive versions, there’s plenty of grip at the front. The G-Vectoring Control is subtle in its interventions to the point of being imperceptible.

The suspension contains body roll admirably in the corners while the damping feels composed, though there are occasions when it does become a little unsettled. Overall is a fantastic compromise between agility and comfort and as a result the CX-5 is just as at home on tight and twisty country roads as it is eating up the miles on motorways.

The 2.2-litre diesel is a strong performer. It’s flexible with a broad spread of torque that removes much of the worry about being in the right gear. It’s refined, too, with barely any engine noise permeating the cabin, even under heavy acceleration.

The first generation CX-5 was, for an SUV, a fine steer. The new model builds on that reputation without sacrificing either ride or refinement. Material quality has also improved and there’s plenty of kit included as standard.

The styling hasn’t really moved on – did it really need to? - and it isn’t the most practical in its class but for the family man who also happens to be a driving enthusiast, it’s hard to fault.

Mazda CX-5 2.2D 150ps Sport Nav 2wd

Price from: £29,695

Engine: 2.2-litre diesel

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Max power: 150PS

Max torque: 380Nm @ 1,800rpm

Max speed: 127mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 9.9sec

Urban: 51.4mpg

Extra urban: 62.3mpg

Combined: 57.6mpg

Emissions (CO2): 128g/km

For more information visit www.mazda.co.uk